Finding Sheffield’s Safe Space for Women’s Wellbeing.
The Heeley Trust Community Hub have workshops for women’s wellbeing and confidence. They are running from November 2022 to January 2023 These sessions are free and hosted at Newfield Green Library on Wednesdays at 11am-12:30pm.
Since the pandemic women have had less opportunity to go out and do things they enjoy. Beth Knight, the community producer at Handle Bards and involved with the running of the workshops, says: “Statistically, women took on even more caring responsibilities during the pandemic…and I think that’s played a part in impacting confidence and sense of self. Women are also globally and nationally still fighting for basic equality, and some of those fights feel like we’re going backwards not forwards.”
The workshops include a variety of creative and wellbeing activities which vary each week, responding to the interests of the women. So far, their range of the activates have included making your own bath salts and exploring nature photography. The activities are focused on trying to provide a space where women can feel supported by peers and have fun.
Having this safe space to enjoy and share experiences is important in contributing to a more positive view of yourself and the world around you. Creating physical networks and knowing people care about them can really change someone’s perspective.
Emily Dean, 21, is a recent graduate from Sheffield Hallam University and regularly attends these workshops. She says: “I think this workshop is what women need because it brings us all together and helps us stay connected to each other. We are supporting each other when for years and years we have been pitted against or compared to each other.”
Young people are growing up in a world that is vastly different to any generation before. Nowadays we have access to so much information and communication. However, online communities can also be a breeding ground for toxicity, polarisation and radicalisation. Young women are growing up with social media telling them that there is one ‘right’ and ‘perfect’ body type. This certainly has an influence on women’s views on themselves and their body positivity.
To help in supporting women’s ‘confidence and wellbeing Beth says: “Obviously on a global level, we should all be invested in supporting campaigns around women’s rights and welfare… On a personal level that can be done by creating more safe spaces for women in your own networks and neighbourhoods. Supporting and championing the women around you and donating or supporting the organisations who support them.” The ‘Wellbeing of Women’ organisation does important work for women’s rights and wellbeing.
Keep up with events at the Heeley Trust Community Hub by following their Instagram.
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By Aaliyah Dublin